USA Cycling Mechanics License Categories and Upgrade Procedures

The following USA Cycling Mechanics categories are subject to change from time to time. Refer to the Mechanics homepage or the USA Cycling rule book to learn the current category requirements. Readers should use this as a guide for establishing credentials necessary for advancement.

Category 4

1. To receive a Category 4 license, the mechanic must successfully complete the Bill Woodul Race Mechanics Clinic in Colorado Springs or one of the USA Cycling regional clinics.

2. Category 4 mechanics must be able to perform all basic mechanical functions needed to keep competitive bicycles and equipment in working order.

3. All USA Cycling mechanics are expected to keep current with new technology and maintenance procedures.

4. All USA Cycling mechanics may apply to the Volunteers Program and may work for the various neutral support programs associated with the Mechanics' Advisory Council (MAC).

Category 3

1. The mechanic must fulfill all requirements of a Category 4 mechanic.

3. The mechanic must have a valid driver's license (exception may be granted by the USA Cycling Head Mechanic).

4. The mechanic must have worked as a neutral support mechanic at a minimum of ten (10) sanctioned events. Documentation of working these events shall be provided to the USA Cycling Head Mechanic. This documentation shall be either a letter or note from the appropriate coach, official or promoter. The events listed below shall be counted for upgrade purposes:

The mechanic may use up to two (2) events sponsored by a USA Cycling Regional Coach, such as Weekend Cycling Colleges, Junior and Senior Identification Camps. Documentation should be obtained from the coach in charge.

The mechanic may use up to three (3) events sponsored by NORBA where the mechanic worked in Neutral Support. Documentation should be obtained from the promoter of the event.

The mechanic may use any number of sanctioned National Collegiate Cycling Association (NCCA) racing events where the mechanic worked in Neutral Support. Documentation should come from either the official or promoter of the event.

The mechanic may use up to two (2) sessions of work at the Olympic Training Center to count toward the required ten (10) events. A stay of seven days shall constitute a session of work.

The mechanic may use up to four (4) days work at sanctioned stage races.

The mechanic can use any number of road events sanctioned by USA Cycling or UCI.

5. A Category 3 mechanic is expected to be capable of instructing new riders in basic care and maintenance of equipment and proper procedures of race mechanical support.

6. A Category 3 mechanic is expected to be able to organize neutral support at local one-day events

7. It is recommended that the Category 3 mechanic obtain a passport and a USA Cycling Official's license.

8. It is recommended that the mechanic obtain a Red Cross First Aid card.

9. All USA Cycling mechanics are expected to keep current with new technology and maintenance procedures.

10. All USA Cycling mechanics may apply to the Volunteer Program and may work for the various neutral support programs associated with MAC.

Category 2

1. A Category 3 mechanic may apply to the Head Mechanic for an upgrade to Category 2 meeting the following requirements:

The mechanic must have met all the criteria listed for Category 3.

The mechanic must have a valid driver's license and passport.

The mechanic must have spent a minimum of 14 days with the Volunteers Program or a neutral support program associated with MAC. Equivalent experience outlined in a resume may be accepted at the discretion of the USA Cycling Head Mechanic.

The mechanic must have worked a minimum of two (2) category A or B stage races either as a team or neutral mechanic.

The mechanic must have worked as a neutral support mechanic at a minimum of 30 sanctioned events. This may include the 14 days listed above and the two (2) stage races.

The mechanics must have spent a minimum of five (5) days as a team mechanic at USA Cycling-sanctioned events. Equivalent experience outlined in a resume may be accepted at the discretion of the USA Cycling Head Mechanic.

The mechanic must have spent a minimum of five (5) days as a team or neutral mechanic at NORBA sanctioned events.

The mechanic must submit a detailed resume with references to the USA Cycling Head Mechanic.

It is recommended that the mechanic obtain a USA Cycling Official’s license.

It is recommended that the mechanic obtain a Red Cross First Aid card, or have equivalent training.

2. Category 2 mechanics are expected to be capable of providing support at national and international levels.

3. All USA Cycling mechanics are expected to keep current with new technology and maintenance procedures.

Category 1

1. A Category 2 mechanic may apply to the Head Mechanic for an upgrade to Category 1 meeting the following requirements:

The mechanic must have met all the criteria listed for Category 2.

The mechanic must have a valid driver's license and passport.

The mechanic must have spent a minimum of 14 days with the Volunteers Program or a neutral support program associated with MAC. Equivalent experience outlined in a resume may be accepted at the discretion of the USA Cycling Head Mechanic.

The mechanic must have worked a minimum of five (5) category A or B stage races either as a team or neutral mechanic.

The mechanic must have worked as a neutral support mechanic at a minimum of 60 sanctioned events. This may include the 14 days listed above and the five (5) stage races. The 60 events must include at least three (3) time trials, 10 criteriums and 10 road race events.

The mechanics must have spent a minimum of five (5) days as a team mechanic at sanctioned events. Equivalent experience outlined in a resume may be accepted at the discretion of the USA Cycling Head Mechanic.

The mechanics must have spent a minimum of 10 days as a neutral or team mechanic at sanctioned mountain bike events. Equivalent experience outlined in a resume may be accepted at the discretion of the USA Cycling Head Mechanic.

The mechanic must have spent a minimum of five (5) days as a neutral or team mechanic at sanctioned track (velodrome) events. Equivalent experience outlined in a resume may be accepted at the discretion of the USA Cycling Head Mechanic.

The mechanic must have worked as a team or neutral support mechanic at a minimum of 10 sanctioned international events outside of the United States. This may include any of the days listed above and requires that at least five (5) events be outside of North America (not in the United States, Canada or Mexico).

It is recommended that the mechanic obtain a USA Cycling Official's license.

It is recommended that the mechanic obtain a Red Cross First Aid card, or have equivalent training.

2. Category 1 mechanics are expected to be capable of providing support at national and international levels.

3. All USA Cycling mechanics are expected to keep current with new technology and maintenance procedures.

4. The mechanic must submit a detailed resume with references to the USA Cycling Head Mechanic and the Mechanics’ Advisory Council for verification and approval.

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